No. 1 Mater Dei (CA) posts shock win CIF-Southern Section Open Division final; three teams enter Blue Star Media Net 25 girls’ volleyball rankings

BENSALEM, Pa. – It will be a sprint to the finish for the Blue Star Media Net 25 girls’ volleyball rankings.

This week there are three additions, including two state champions from the Midwest, and some movement within the Net 25. But more it later in this column.

There are two weeks left in the season and the state championships coming a frenetic pace. This week, state champions will be crowned in Illinois, New Jersey, Texas (TAPPS), Minnesota, Hawaii and Florida with seven teams (two from Illinois) competing for the hardware and the glory. We’ll keep you posted.

There are state champions to report. Eight schools were rewarded for their hard work and dedication: No. 2 Hamilton Southeastern (Fishers, Ind.), No. 8 Divine Savior Holy Angels (Milwaukee); No. 9 Assumption (Louisville, Ky.),No. 15 Pace Academy (Atlanta), No. 16 Lincoln (Neb.) Southwest, No. 17 Alpharetta (Ga.), No. 18 Dike (Iowa) New Hartford and No. 20 Bob Jones (Madison, Ala.).

Eight California schools from the Net 25 rankings were added to the California Interscholastic Federation Open Division Regionals: five in the South and three in the North. In the CIF-Southern Section Open Division final, top-ranked Mater Dei (Santa Ana) in a surprise result, swept then-No. 2 Mira Costa (Manhattan Beach) in three sets.

The Monarchs improved to 39-2 and did not drop a set in four matches in the Open Division, considered one of the nation’s top postseason tournaments. It was their first sectional title since 2018 and there could be a fourth meeting this season in the regional final.

The CIF Open Division plays Wednesday and Saturday this week and regional final is Nov. 14.

In Indiana, No. 2 Hamilton Southeastern (Fishers) won the Class 4A state championship for the second straight year and finished the season on a 67-game winning streak. If No. 1 Mater Dei stumbles in the CIF Open Division, it could open the door for the Royals (32-0) to ascend atop the Net 25.

As for the additions, two are newbies and No. 17 Alpharetta (Ga.) returns after a few weeks and won the Class AAAAAA state championship. No. 16 Lincoln Southwest enters after capturing the program’s first-ever state title (Class A). In Iowa, No. 18 Dike New Hartford is aboard and newly minted Class 2A champions.

Kudos to all the state champions!

Finally, the Illinois Class 4A state semifinals are slated for Friday in Normal with No. 11 Benet (Lisle) and No. 12 Mother McAuley (Chicago) could meet in Saturday’s final.

It’ll be a busy weekend.

The Blue Star Media Net 25 girls’ volleyball rankings return Nov. 15 with penultimate rankings before the final ones drop Thanksgiving week. Actually, they will go live Monday November 20.

Keep posted for the Blue Star Media Elite 25 girls’ preseason basketball rankings that will go live within two weeks. Last week, we dropped the boys’ rankings. Check them out.

Okay, stay safe. We hope to see you at a game soon. – Christopher Lawlor

Blue Star Media Net 25 Girls’ Volleyball Rankings, Nov. 8, 2023

1. Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (39-2)

Previous rank: 1.

Digs: Won the CIF-Southern Section Open Division championship, sweeping then-No. 2 Mira Costa (Manhattan Beach), 28-26, 25-15, 25-20, in the final. San Diego-commit Isabel Clark hammered 18 kills and had 12 digs and freshman middle blocker Emma Kingston added seven blocks. Up next is Los Alamitos Wednesday in the CIF-Southern Region Open Division first round. The semifinals are Saturday.

2. Hamilton Southeastern, Fishers, Ind. (32-0)*

Previous: 3.

Digs: Won second straight Class 4A state championship, defeating Castle (Newburgh), 25-18, 24-26, 25-20, 25-15, in the final. The Royals closed the season on a 67-match winning streak over the last two years. They dropped only five sets against Indiana’ toughest schedule. Memphis-bound Tiffany Snook finished with 14 kills; Breonna Goss had 13 as did Florida-recruit Lauren Harden. Lindsay Mangelson crushed 17 kills and totaled 51 attacks. Senior Macy Hinshaw recorded 38 assists and Ball State-commit Sophie Ledbetter had 17 digs, to surpass 1,000 for her career. Season complete.

3. Mira Costa, Manhattan Beach, Calif. (38-3)

Previous: 2.

Digs: The Mustangs were swept in three sets to No. 1 Mater Dei (Santa Ana), 28-26, 25-15, 25-20, in the CIF-Southern Section Open Division final. They return to action Wednesday in the CIF-Southern Region Open Division first round, hosting No. 23 Sierra Canyon School (Chatsworth). The Mustangs could meet Mater Dei for a fourth time in the regional final on Nov. 14.

4. Prestonwood Christian Academy, Plano, Texas (34-4)

Previous: 4.

Digs: Defeated Incarnate Word Academy (San Antonio), 25-8, 25-15, 25-5, in the TAPPS Class 6A regional final. The Lions will play the Class 6A semifinals Friday and the final Saturday afternoon.

5. Cathedral Catholic, San Diego, Calif. (32-4)

Previous: 5.

Digs: Won CIF-San Diego Section Open Division championship. The Dons play Marymount (Los Angeles) Wednesday in the CIF-Southern Region Open Division first round.

6. Wayzata, Plymouth, Minn. (31-0)

Previous: 6.

Digs: Won the Section 5-AAAA championship, defeating Champlin Park, 25-14, 25-12, 25-10, in the final. The Class AAAA state tournament will be contested Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

7. Grand Oaks, Spring, Texas (45-1)

Previous: 7.

Digs: The Grizzlies opened the Class 6A state playoffs, sweeping Nimitz (Houston) in the bi-district playoff and Langham Creek (Houston) in the Area round—both in three sets. Up next was the regional quarterfinals with Bridgeland (Cypress) Tuesday.

8. Divine Savior Holy Angels, Milwaukee (47-1)*

Previous: 8.

Digs: Won the WIAA Division I state championship, defeating rivals Oconomowoc in five sets, 25-14, 20-25, 25-27, 25-22, 15-8. Madison Quest (24) and Sophia Wendlick (22) teamed for 46 kills and setter Jordan Czajkowski handed out 40 assists while Olivia Durst manufactured 16 digs. The Dashers also beat Hamilton in the semifinals and River Falls in the quarterfinals. Season complete.

9. Assumption, Louisville, Ky. (34-5)*

Previous: 9.

Digs: The Rockets are State Champions of Kentucky for a 23^rd time and first since 2020 after rolling over four opponents at the state tournament last week. In the final, they defeated rivals Notre Dame Academy (Park Hills), 25-19, 24-26, 25-11, 25-20. Charlotte Moriarity finished with 18 kills and 15 digs and Bailey Blair had 12 kills. In the semifinals, coach Ron Kordes’s squad beat Mercy (Louisville), 25-16, 25-11, 25-20. Six seniors graduate but the returning roster is experienced. Mainly, junior Kristen Simon, a Wisconsin recruit, who was named KVCA Defensive Player of the Year (437 digs). Season complete.

10. Carrollwood Day School, Tampa, Fla. (29-2)

Previous: 10.

Digs: It took five grueling games but the Patriots pushed onto to the Class 3A semifinals after eliminating rivals Berkeley Prep (Tampa), 25-19, 25-12, 24-26, 23-25, 15-11, in the Region 3 final. Freshman Lydia Chinchar continued her amazing rookie year with 31 spikes, 23 digs and two service aces. Her sister, Naomi Chinchar, handed off 43 assists. The Patriots advanced to meet Lake Highlands Prep (Orlando) Tuesday in the semifinals The state title match is Thursday.

11. Benet Academy, Lisle, Ill. (38-2)

Previous: 11.

Digs: The Redwings are headed back to the Class 4A state semifinals Friday in Redbird Arena in Normal, where they get Willowbrook (Villa Park) in the semifinals. The final and third-place match is Saturday. Everyone is looking for a 4A final rematch with No. 12 Mother McAuley (Chicago). In the Bartlett Super-Sectional final, they stopped New Trier (Winnetka), 25-19, 25-14.

12. Mother McAuley, Chicago (35-5)

Previous: 12.

Digs: Won the Class 4A Super-Sectional, sweeping Normal West, 25-19, 25-21. Outside hitter Ellie White had 11 spikes, nine digs and two aces. Samantha Falk contributed 14 digs and freshman setter Peyton Heatherly dished off 21 assists. Big weekend ahead for the defending state champions. Up next is the Class 4A state semifinals against Barrington Friday. The third place or final is Saturday with No. 11 Benet Academy (Lisle, Ill.) or Willowbrook (Villa Park) the opponents.

13. Huntington Beach, Calif. (32-9)

Previous: 13.

Digs: Idle. Oilers face Torrey Pines (San Diego) Wednesday in CIF-Southern Region Open Division first round.

14. Cornerstone Christian School, San Antonio (34-7)

Previous: 14.

Digs: Season complete.

15. Pace Academy, Atlanta (37-3)*

Previous: 15.

Digs: Won seventh consecutive state championship, edging Lovett School (Atlanta), 19-25, 20-25, 25-20, 25-10, 15-11, in the Class AAAA final. Season complete.

16. Lincoln (Neb.) Southwest (33-4)*

Previous: 16.

Digs: Won first-ever Class A state championship, defeating Papillion-La Vista, 25-14, 25-17, 26-16, in the final. The Silver Hawks, who also were crowned Metro Conference champions, previously finished third in 2008 for their best finish. Emerson Lionberger finished with 11 kills and Maddie Rink added nine. Setter Malayah Long handed out 33 assists. Season complete.

17. Alpharetta, Ga. (38-3)*

Previous: Not ranked.

Digs: Won Class AAAAAA state tournament, defeating then-No. 17 Pope (Marietta), 25-21, 25-16, 25-21, in the final. The Raiders re-enter the Net 25 after capturing the title match. Season complete.

18. Dike (Iowa)-New Hartford (50-0)*

Previous: Not ranked.

Digs: Won Iowa Class 2A state championship, defeating Hinton, 25-14, 25-23, 25-16, in the final. Senior Peyton Petersen spiked 20 kills, sophomore Abby Jensen had 11 digs and junior setter Lucy Varney produced 20 assists. Season complete.

19. Kamehameha-Kapalama, Honolulu (27-3)

Previous: 19.

Digs: Idle. The Hawaii Division 1 state tournament started this week for the Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division 1 champions.

20. Bob Jones, Madison, Ala. (54-3)*

Previous: 20.

Digs: Won Class 7A state championship, defeating McGill-Toolen Catholic (Mobile), 25-23, 22-25, 25-17, 25-19, in the final. Kennedy Vaughn spiked 16 kills and had eight digs, setter Riley Lovell assisted 19 times and Meg Jarrett added 19 digs. Season complete.

21. Archbishop Mitty, San Jose, Calif. (29-4)

Previous: 23.

Digs: Won the CIF-Central Coast Open Division title, knocking off No. 24 St. Francis (Mountain View), 22-25, 25-20, 25-22, 25-19, in the final. The top-seeded Monarchs are three wins from the state final and play Redwood (Larkspur) Wednesday in the CIF-Northern Region Open Division first round. The semifinals are Saturday.

22. Immaculate Heart Academy, Washington Township, N.J. (25-1)

Previous: 22.

Digs: Defeated Morristown-Beard, 25-9, 25-12, in the Non-Public A state quarterfinals. Abby Romero handed out 14 assists and Eve Roman had 13 service points. Up next are the semifinals against Union Catholic (Scotch Plains) Wednesday. The final is Sunday afternoon.

23. Sierra Canyon School, Chatsworth, Calif. (34-8)

Previous: 21.

Digs: Idle. The Trailblazers face No. 3 Mira Costa (Manhattan Beach) Wednesday in the CIF-Southern Region Open Division first round. The semifinals are Saturday.

24. St. Francis, Mountain View, Calif. (33-5)

Previous: 24.

Digs: After dropping the CIF-Central Coast Open Division championship in four sets, the Lancers open with St. Ignatius College Prep (San Francisco) Wednesday in the CIF-Northern Region Open Division first round Wednesday. The semifinals are Saturday.

25. Branson School, Ross, Calif. (27-4)

Previous: 25.

Digs: Won the CIF-North Coast Section Division 2, Redwood (Larkspur), 25-22, 25-13, 25-23, in the final. Up next is Sacred Heart Prep (Atherton) in the CIF-Northern Region Open Division first round Wednesday.

Dropped out: No. 16 Papillion (Neb.)-La Vista South; No. 17 Pope (Marietta, Ga.) and No. 18 Marist (Chicago).

Special Consideration: Academy of Holy Cross (Kensington, Md.)*; Skutt Catholic (Omaha, Neb.)*; Mill Valley (Shawnee, Kan.)*; Marist (Chicago); Notre Dame Academy (Park Hills, Ky.); Lake Travis (Austin, Texas); St. Mary’s Dominican (New Orleans); Lake Catholic (Mentor, Ohio); Northville (Mich.); St. Mary’s (Lancaster, N.Y.); Pope John Paul II (Royersford, Pa.); Lafayette (Wildwood, Mo.)*; Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch, Colo.); Blue Valley North (Overland Park, Kan.); Jesuit (Portland, Ore.)*; Xavier College Prep (Phoenix); JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.); Oconomowoc (Wis.); Papillion (Neb.)-La Vista South and Lone Peak (Highland, Utah)*.

* Denotes a state or conference postseason champion

Records are through Sunday.

About: The Blue Star Media Net 25 High School Girls’ Volleyball Rankings are released weekly from August until the conclusion of the high school season in November. Criteria considered are the quality of the team and its players, strength of schedule, tradition, and quality of the team’s league, conference, region or district. The rankings are compiled by Blue Star Media’s Christopher Lawlor, who consults with a national network of coaches, talent evaluators and prep sports writers. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @clawlor.